Bomb threat- Its Detection

&
Prevention

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 We being the employees of a reputed organization can not rule out
the likely bomb threats in our offices or our surroundings. Thus to
remain free of danger from bomb and explosives we should be
aware of bomb threat and take detection and prevention measures
so that we can effectively handle bomb threat and can minimize
damage and loss to our life and property.

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 Aim

To develop awareness about bomb threat to our

colleagues and suggest detection and prevention
measures.

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 Scope

For obvious reasons, we shall avoid technical

aspects and shall discuss about non-technical
aspects which is considered relevant to public
information only.

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 What is bomb?

These are devices either factory made or home made.

These devices contain incendiary or explosive
substances. These are used to create fire, shock, heat and
gas to cause extensive damage to the target.

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 What is IED?

IED stands for improvised explosive device. These could be

either factory made or home made. The shape of IED is not
fixed. It can take any form starting from pen, letter, flower
bouquet and almost each and every items.

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 Why IED is extensively used ?

The advantage for the maker of being psychologically and

geographically distance from the crime makes the use of
bomb preferable for the terrorists.
An IED only has to work once.
An IED can produce multiple deaths in spite of its
comparatively small size.
IEDS are easy to place and conceal.

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 What are the likely targets?

Passengers on public transport, ship, train or aeroplane.

Audience of meeting, cultural, social or religious gathering.
Employees of big offices.
Public at shopping centre, Mall and hotel.
Public at the confined areas like under pass, tube railway etc.
Women and children at schools and other populated areas.

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Public Awareness about Bomb Threat

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 Role of receptionist/ Front desk staff who receives
telephone call indicating a bomb threat.
Keep the caller in conversation and if possible try to know
the location of the bomb and planned time of explosion.
If possible try to record the conversation. If not possible to
record, then remember exact words used by the caller or try to
determine the age and sex of the caller.
Try to trace back the caller if number is detected or traced from
telephone or exchange.
Inform security and personnel department as soon as possible.
Share the information with other telephone operators of PABX or
Front desk operator so that next call is taped or maximum
information can be gathered.
Receptionist/ operator should not create panic among the
employees.

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 Recognize and Run rule

Security personnel and employees shall notify proper authority (P

& A or Security department). They in turn notify police or other low
enforcing agencies.
Keep a minimum safe distance of 100 yeards (300 feet).
If you can see it, it can see you; so take cover.
Some terrorist groups initiate secondary explosives near
original explosion site causing casualties among responding
authorities and curiosity seekers.
If a detonation occurred, move away and stay away.

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Never Touch- When suspicious object is seen/ detected
following procedure to be followed:
Security guard and employees shall never touch an
IED.
Recognize its potential danger and clear the area in
an expeditious manner.
Use R and R rule (recognize and run) when
dealing with an IED or suspicious devices.

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Detection Measures
Detection measure against bomb threat could as under:

CCTv Camera- Sensitive areas like the main entrance, perimeter,

reception room, mail room, and other areas which need
surveillance/ coverage may have CCTv camera both exposed/
unexposed depending upon the need and situation.
Patrolling- Patrolling along the perimeter and around
solitary areas may help detect bomb.
Search/ check Physical search and check of personnel
bag, brief case and luggage can help detect bomb/
explosives.

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 Scanner and detector- X-ray machine and metal
detectors installed at the main gate help detect bomb/
explosives.

Inspection Mirror- Vehicle search and use of long

handled mirror used underneath of vehicle can help
detect bomb/ explosives if fixed in a vehicle.
Awareness- Awareness among employees can also help
detect bomb/ explosives by suspected personnel,
luggage and vehicle.

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What to do after explosion?

Informing Law enforcing Agencies: Immediately after bomb

blast local police should be informed of the incidence. If
situation demands other law enforcing agencies as deemed
necessary may be informed in consultation with local police.
Informing Fire Fighting Agencies: In case of bomb blast
needing assistance from civil defense and fire fighting
agencies, they may be informed.

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